One of my very favourite things about living in Manchester is how it’s so easy to go for some amazing walks in the countryside that also allow you to sample some amazing beers. After all, a walk is good for the mind, body and soul. But a walk where you can stop off for a couple of brews and some nice street food is good for mind, body, soul and tastebuds.
We really are spoilt for choice when it comes to these ‘beer walks’. Some of our favourites include the canal-side path from Todmorden to Hebden Bridge with a stop-off at Vocation and Co, Marsden Moor and a visit to Zapato Brewing, the Monsal Trail path near to the Thornbridge taproom, the climb to Solomon’s Temple and a trip to Buxton Brewery… the list goes on (in fact, I feel a post series coming on…).
One such beautifully-located taproom that we’d seen on social media recently, and which we’d yet to visit, was Rivington Brew Co. Situated near the banks of Rivington Reservoir, a short drive northwest of Manchester, we planned a walk around the waterside one crisp and sunny autumnal afternoon that would give us a good excuse to visit.
The walk itself proves a delight. In total, we manage around 7-8 flat and easy-going miles over the course of a few hours. The circular path allows us to take in some dramatic cloud formations over the still water as kids play on the banks, and heads in and out of the surrounding woodland, where we can watch families seeking thrills in its Go Ape treetop adventure course.
A short coffee stop at tea room/bar The Rivington revealed that we were visiting the area on a day when many people were undertaking a charity walk in the area. The blue t-shirts surrounding us informed us they were planning to stop off at ten pubs along a 10-mile course. Sounds like my sort of philanthropy!
Rather than cut straight across Horrobin Lane, which cuts the reservoir into two and leads straight to the brewery, we thought we’d first extend our walk up and around the Upper Reservoir. Suitably justifying our thirst, we then proceeded down the home stretch to the taproom.
As we head in past the onsite caravan park, we were greeted by the intoxicating smell of the charcoal grill being manned by street food trader Taka Taka Mam. “Would you like to take a menu? Head inside for a beer and then come have some delicious Greek food!”. Don’t mind if I do buddy, don’t mind if I do.
Laminated menu in hand, we took a seat at an outside bench, complete with view up to Rivington Pike. The garden is full of families, couples, cyclists and walkers enjoying some hazy pints, pizzas and burgers among the cosy, rustic ambience. The other food looks great and it’s clear that resident trader Dough N’ Co are proving popular with locals in the know – but we can’t resist the temptation of the gyros.
Before succumbing to the promise of the aroma in the air though, I head in to grab a half for us both. First up is Farm Trip 2022, the official brew of the beer festival hosted here at the start of the month, a collaboration with Penryn favourites Verdant and Hertfordshire up-and-comers Baron. It’s a lovely hazy IPA, fruity and with a creamy mouthfeel. Kate opts for oddly-named Rivington pale Pause This Fork Knife, which is similarly smooth, though by comparison has a tiny hint of a tart edge.
The two prove great accompaniments to our pittas. These are generously filled, and we struggle to stop fries and salad spilling all over the table in front of us as we tuck in. We’d both plumped for the mixed meat option, and the lamb is the real star here, the juicy spiced koftas melding well with the dilly tzatziki. There is zero shame in the mess we make.
Before we head off, there’s time for one more swift half before the afternoon fully clouds over and a chill sets in. Perhaps it was the changing weather that inspired Kate’s choice of coffee stout Void Space Ratio, while I kept things light with Fall Out The Sky V5, the fifth iteration in Rivington’s series of low-ABV hoppy pales, which punches well above its weight in flavour.
These two supped, we are already planning our next visit as we head home. We might be due a trip up the Pike on our return, safe in the knowledge we will be rewarded for our efforts post-hike with some delicious food and drink.
Rivington Brewery taproom is open 5 days a week, 12pm-evening. Check their website for available food, including visiting weekend traders.
SOUNDS TASTY 